03132026 NEWS

AROUND DA ISLANDS

The Tribune

Volume: 123 No. 77, Friday, March 13, 2026

GOODMAN TO CHANGE PLEA ON DRUG CHARGES

Dames’ business partner tells judge

he will plead

guilty in $4m cocaine smuggling case

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN boat captain arrested in the US last month with an alleged $4 million worth of cocaine has informed the judge of his plans to plead guilty after initially denying the charges. Malcolm Goodman, a business partner of former National Security Minister Marvin Dames, had pleaded not guilty last week to possession with intent and importation of a controlled substance after his arrest in Florida on February 11. Yesterday, his US attorney, Jay White, filed a motion notifying the court of his intention to change his plea while also requesting additional time to finalise negotiations with US prosecutors. The notice came after District Judge Melissa Damian set the trial date for April 15, nearly a week

Davis confirms general election will be soon

By JADE RUSSELL

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed the next general election will be soon, though he remained tight-lipped on the specific date it will be called.

after Goodman's initial arraignment. In the motion, Mr White outlined the facts of the case, noting that Goodman was the only person on board the 45-foot vessel named M/V Reel Xperience when it was stopped and inspected by the US Coast Guard on February 11.

He said the drugs were “in plain view” and that Goodman admitted knowing about them.

US authorities, in a sworn affidavit filed last month, also said roughly 200 kilograms of cocaine were

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.

“All I can say is that the elections would be soon,” Mr Davis told reporters yesterday. “That’s all I’d be prepared to say at this time.” The prime minister’s comments came after Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Fred

STAFF of The Tribune today celebrate the 96th birthday of the Right Honourable Eileen Dupuch-Carron, pilot, Barrister-at-Law, mother, artist and one of the most influential figures in Bahamian journalism. Described by many political pundits as the ‘Iron Lady,’ she is the holder of the Guinness Book of World Records’ longest serving publisher and editor in the world – her 63 years eclipsing the record set by her father, the late crusading journalist Sir Etienne Dupuch. Mrs Carron, who succeeded her father Sir Etienne Dupuch as editor and publisher of The Tribune in 1972, spent more than six decades at the helm of the newspaper, helping shape public debate and champion the principles of a free and independent press. Colleagues and readers across The Bahamas have extended warm birthday wishes to Mrs Carron, who is currently recovering from a recent stay in hospital. Family members say she is doing well and continuing to recuperate. Her leadership of The Tribune spanned generations of Bahamians and some of the most significant periods in the nation’s modern history, including the years surrounding independence and the country’s development as a modern democracy.

Davis to campaign on his administration’s track record

Mitchell unexpectedly announced that a general election will be held “within the next few weeks”. The announcement, made in a voice note, sparked political anticipation that voters could be heading to the polls this spring.

Mr Mitchell asserted that the election campaign will heat up and that the Bahamian people will shortly be asked who should govern them for the next five years.

However, Mr Davis took a more coy approach when asked about the chairman’s comments, telling voters to “stay tuned”.

Mr Davis said the party will be promoting its message, its record of work and its plans for the future this election season.

“When I reflected on what we have done over the last four years, it’s tremendous,” he said.

“I’m proud of the accomplishments, but we want to ensure that it’s

been impactful. And we’re going to demonstrate how we intend to make it more impactful for those who are still not feeling what we have done.”

Political observers have questioned whether the PLP can maintain its support in Grand Bahama. For years, residents of the island — once dubbed the second city — have complained of being neglected by the government. Although the Davis administration has made headway in efforts to revitalise the island’s economy, many residents still say they do not feel any change.

The government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority have also been locked in a years-long dispute over governance in Freeport under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which recently went to arbitration. While the tribunal rejected the government’s $357m claim for administrative costs, both sides have said the ruling favours their position.

Bastian brushes off PLP leadership rumours

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal

Party candidate Sebas Bastian yesterday brushed off questions about whether he aims to become the party’s leader in the future.

Mr Bastian was pressed by reporters about his longterm plans within the party. Although he is a newcomer to the political arena, he has quickly grown in popularity among supporters.

During the opening of Mr Bastian’s new Fort Charlotte Technology, Arts and Culture Centre, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said Mr Bastian has a bright future in the country, adding that he has no doubt the businessman will help take the PLP higher. Some political observers have suggested that Mr Bastian could one day lead the party, and Mr Davis’s comments have reignited that speculation.

Mr Bastian said his service to the country has been an ongoing journey. He pointed to his IL Cares Foundation, Own Bahamas, and other initiatives he has created to invest in communities for several years. Asked if he sees himself seeking leadership of the PLP one day, Mr Bastian said it is important not to be distracted by entertaining “impatient” aspirations.

He stressed that the focus should be on the upcoming election.

“I hear the bell is shined. I don’t know when he’s going to ring it, and that is where the focus is,” he said, referring to the prime minister calling the election.

“We plan to be victorious at the polls, and then the day after the election we must govern, and it is the result of that governance that will determine whatever the future holds for the party at large.”

The Free National Movement’s Fort Charlotte candidate Travis Robinson has previously questioned the Island Luck co-founder’s motives for entering politics. Mr Robinson has also emphasised that the constituency is not for sale and that voters cannot be bought.

Since officially being ratified, Mr Bastian has carried out numerous projects in the Fort Charlotte area, including home repairs, road paving, investments in local businesses, and the recent opening of the Fort Charlotte Technology, Arts and Culture Centre.

Mr Bastian dismissed Mr Robinson’s criticism that Fort Charlotte is not for sale. The businessman said his focus is on the registered voters in the constituency, as they are the ones he must convince that he is the better choice for representation.

Asked whether there were fears the GBPA matter could affect support in Grand Bahama, Mr Davis said he believes Grand Bahamians will support the PLP. He added that the matter has made residents see the party as a “serious party”.

Meanwhile, Tall Pines MP Dr Michael Darville also told reporters yesterday he is ready for the election.

Before a general election is called, Parliament is typically prorogued, meaning the current session is formally ended by the Governor-General on the advice of the prime minister. Prorogation stops parliamentary business but does not end the life of Parliament, and members of the House of Assembly remain in office.

An election becomes necessary when Parliament is dissolved, either early on the prime minister’s advice or automatically when the five-year constitutional

term expires. Once Parliament is dissolved, the Governor-General issues writs of election for each constituency directing returning officers to hold the vote. The writs set the

key dates for the election. By law, nomination day must be at least seven days after the writ is issued, and polling day must be at least seven days after nomination day, meaning the

earliest an election can be held is roughly two weeks after the writs are issued. In practice, Bahamian elections are typically held three to four weeks after Parliament is dissolved.

PLP candidate unveils tech and culture hub in Fort Charlotte

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Lib-

eral Party candidate for Fort Charlotte Sebas Bastian yesterday opened a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to training, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement for residents. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Fort Charlotte Technology, Arts & Culture Centre (FCTech) was attended by several Cabinet ministers, party supporters and community stakeholders. Phase one of the centre includes technology training rooms, a community meeting space, a computer lab, events lawn and a business centre. The hub is intended to provide opportunities for both young people and older residents to empower

themselves through various programmes and services. These include exam tutoring, mentorship and computer access for students. Residents will also be able to participate in financial literacy workshops, job readiness training and

leadership programmes designed to prepare them for new opportunities. The centre will also host wellness activities and cultural events.

Mr Bastian described the centre as a step towards building a stronger future for Fort Charlotte.

He said residents will have the opportunity to learn digital skills needed for a technology-driven world, while entrepreneurs will have access to guidance, resources and a space to develop businesses that can strengthen the local

economy.

“You are seeing that in opening our centre we will serve this community for generations,” he said. “It’s not really about celebrating what has been built. It is about the future we must build together.”

Phase two of the project will include three technology labs, a culinary arts academy, fitness centre, meeting rooms and additional spaces for entrepreneurs.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the project was not created by coincidence but reflected Mr Bastian’s vision to build something lasting. Mr Davis said the centre is critical because many talented people lack the resources needed to thrive.

Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears also applauded the launch of the centre. Mr Sears has said he does not plan to seek re-election in the next general election and has publicly endorsed Mr Bastian as the best candidate to succeed him.

Mr Sears emphasised that projects like the centre help serve the people of the country.

Born in Nassau on March 13, 1930, Mrs Carron is the eldest daughter of Sir Etienne and Lady Dupuch. She grew up immersed in the world of journalism and public service that would ultimately define her life’s work.

Her academic journey took her abroad, where she studied philosophy at St Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, earned a master’s degree from the Columbia University School of Journalism, and studied law at King’s College, University of London. She was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1962 and later the same year to the Bahamas Bar, becoming the second Bahamian woman admitted to practice law in the country.

Although qualified as a barrister, Mrs Carron chose journalism as her calling.

She joined The Tribune in 1962 and ten years later succeeded her father as editor and publisher. She is the Most Senior female barrister-at-law in the nation. In 2023, she was named a Companion of the Order of the Bahamas in the late Queen Elizabeth II's Independence awards.

Under her leadership, The Tribune continued its long tradition of independent reporting and outspoken editorial commentary, with Mrs Carron earning a reputation for fearless writing on national issues.

Her editorials have attracted international attention and, on more than one occasion, were read into the official record of the United States Senate, reflecting the global reach of her commentary on matters affecting The Bahamas.

Mrs Carron’s career includes several pioneering achievements. In her early 20s, she became the first Bahamian woman to earn her pilot’s licence.

In 1993, she became the first Chief Executive Officer of a private radio stationwith the launch of The People’s Radio Station (100.3).

Her contributions to journalism and national development have earned numerous honours, including being named a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II. She has also been recognised internationally for her work in journalism and press freedom and was honoured by the Zonta Clubs of New Providence as a “Living Legend”.

She famously said: "I fought for the change of

Birthday wishes Eileen Carron

“I fought for the change of former Government. I fought against corruption, fear and victimization. I fought against the drug culture. I fought against everything I felt diminished or was unfair to the Bahamian people.....I fought for equality. I fought for social change and I’m still fighting.”

- Eileen Dupuch-Carron

Dear Mrs Dupuch-Carron,

former Government. I fought against corruption, fear and victimization. I fought against the drug culture. I fought against everything I felt diminished or was unfair to the Bahamian people.....I fought for equality. I fought for social change and I'm still fighting."

At the International Press Institute (IPI) World

father for their extraordinary legacy of remarkable courage, integrity, dedication and lifetime of fighting social injustices, and defending press freedom.

Ms Dawn Thomas, IPI Board member and CEO of One Caribbean Media, said Mrs Dupuch-Carron and her father showed "...extraordinary and remarkable courage under most difficult

Mrs Dupuch-Carron and her father showed “...extraordinary and remarkable courage under most difficult conditions, for their lifetimes dedication to the freedom of the press set them as global flag bearers for the principles of integrity, justice and human rights.”

Dawn Thomas

IPI Board member and CEO of One Caribbean Media

Congress in Trinidad & Tobago in 2012, delegates representing newspapers from 82 countries around the world recognised Mrs Dupuch-Carron and her

conditions, for their lifetimes dedication to the freedom of the press set them as global flag bearers for the principles of integrity, justice and human rights."

Among those paying tribute was former Managing Editor Stephen Hunt, who said: “To a pioneer woman pilot, who soared in business, fought for freedom of the press, and led the way as the finest journalist in The Bahamas, may you have a fabulous 96th birthday.”

Former Tribune Staff Reporter, Chief Reporter and News Editor Paul Turnquest also reflected on Mrs Carron’s impact on generations of journalists.

“Few people have had as profound an impact on Bahamian journalism as Eileen Carron,” he said.

“When I was starting out in my career at The Tribune, she was always someone you could call for advice, encouragement, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime devoted to the craft.”

He added: “The Bahamas is a richer, more vibrant, and freer nation today because of the work she did, and insisted must be done, over

the course of her extraordinary career.” Tribune Editor-in-Chief David Leigh remarked: “I first met Mrs Carron a year ago at a party to celebrate her 95th birthday. There were people queueing up to have their photo taken with her – it was a little like meeting The Queen! She is a remarkable lady whose legacy will, of course, be impossible to match. It is a great honour to be following in her footsteps.”

As she marks her 96th birthday today, staff at The Tribune join readers across the country in wishing Mrs Carron continued strength, good health and a full recovery. Have a wonderful birthday!

ON this special day, Ann and I send you our warmest birthday wishes, along with our affection, respect, and sincere hope that this year brings you peace, good health, and joy.

A birthday is a time to pause and honour a life that has carried meaning for family, friends, and country. Yours has done exactly that. Over many years, you have given The Bahamas your mind, your courage, your candour, and your strong sense of duty. You have helped shape public life in ways that will be remembered for a very long time. You have always carried yourself with a rare strength. Clear in your convictions, steady in your purpose, and fearless in your voice, you have stood as a woman of substance in the life of this nation. That kind of presence leaves a mark. It earns respect. It also gives strength to others who are trying to find their own way.

Many Bahamians have looked at your life and seen what dignity, discipline, and independence can look like. Many young women, in particular, have seen in you a path opened by courage and self-belief. Through your example, you have shown that a woman can lead, speak plainly, think deeply, and hold her ground with grace.

I have always believed that countries are shaped by people who are prepared to serve with

Happy birthday and thank you for your exemplary service to The Bahamas! With love and appreciation.

Hubert Ingraham

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, in a message on behalf of the Free National Movement, praised Mrs Carron’s decades of service to journalism and her role in defending democratic freedoms.

“In celebration of the 96th birthday of Mrs Eileen Dupuch Carron, it is a happy privilege and occasion to offer her birthday greetings and to recall the extraordinary role she has played in Bahamian life for going on a century,” Mr Pintard said. He said that through her work as editor and publisher of The Tribune, Mrs Carron helped safeguard democracy and protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press.

seriousness, pride, and honesty. You are one of those people. Through your years of work and public service, you have made a lasting contribution to the growth of our nation and to the spirit of public life in The Bahamas. Yet today is also about the person behind the public record. It is about your character, your warmth, and the quiet strength that has carried you through the years. Those who know you well, and those who have admired you from afar, understand that your place in our country’s story has been earned through grit, integrity, and heart.

As you celebrate today, I hope you are surrounded by love, happy memories, and the people who matter most to you. I hope the day brings laughter, comfort, and the simple happiness that comes from a life well lived.

Please accept my heartfelt good wishes on your birthday. May God continue to bless you and keep you in His care.

Happy Birthday, Mrs Dupuch Carron.

With warm regards, Philip Edward Davis Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Happy Birthday to a formidable.. .giant of a woman.

You have been a positive force in our country. Wishing you a Happy 96th birthday... and many many more.

Dr Duane Sands

Mr Pintard also highlighted her achievements as a pioneer for women in The Bahamas, noting that she encouraged generations of Bahamian women to pursue their ambitions and break new ground in their professions. “On behalf of the Free National Movement, my family, and myself, I am honoured to wish her a blessed and happy birthday. May God continue to sustain her in the years to come,” he said.

Bahamian teacher stuck in Kuwait

‘not afraid’ as she leans on her faith

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

WITH Kuwait’s airspace closed and the alternative a $6,000 road trip out of the country, Bahamian teacher

Keva Williams says she is not afraid of death as she remains in the Gulf nation amid rising tensions with Iran.

The airspace has been closed for about two weeks. Ms Williams received an email from the Bahamian embassy in the UAE advising that there were no confirmed evacuation plans.

She said she felt somewhat disappointed with the response but understands the embassy’s limitations.

The 44-year-old is not considering leaving Kuwait due to the high costs and logistical challenges involved. Instead, she is trusting in her faith while remaining in the country.

She lives alone with her dog and has no other family in Kuwait.

“There haven't been a lot of casualties, praise God. I know that we're being protected — I am — because of my faith and making sure that I am praying and keeping abreast of the news without being consumed by it,” she said.

“Because a lot of other teachers have been listening to the news and constantly isolating themselves and things like that, which makes

them more afraid. I find that for me, I am rooted strongly in my faith. If it's my time, then the Lord knew that was my time.”

Ms Williams moved to Kuwait in 2016 after teaching in Guatemala in order to earn more money to pursue a master’s degree, which she said was not possible while living in The Bahamas.

The educator said Kuwait City is easy to live in, with convenient deliveries, affordable cleaning services and a generally good quality of life.

She began her teaching career in early childhood education, later moved to elementary school and currently works as a middle school drama teacher at the American International School of Kuwait.

However, life in the Gulf nation changed on February 28 after an Iranian strike. Iran launched a wave of missiles and drones across the Gulf targeting countries that are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and host US military assets.

“I was at my neighbour’s apartment. We heard the sirens going off and we didn't quite know what was happening,” she said.

“We’ll always remember that day. We turned on the news and heard they were retaliating against US bases or any country in the GCC that had bases or strongholds. They attacked Bahrain

first, then Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai.”

The weeks since have seen numerous strikes in the region, including the death of six American soldiers after a drone struck a command centre at Shuaiba Port.

Ms Williams said the Kuwaiti government has been intercepting drones and ballistic missiles. Yesterday, officials revealed several drones targeted Kuwait International Airport.

She noted that the strike occurred at an

‘Where are the funds?’:

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Health Insurance providers are once again raising alarm over delayed payments, calling for details on how funds budgeted for the programme are being spent. Representatives say payments are now two months overdue and that the most recent disbursement covered only half of what is owe, a routine shortfall that has persisted for nearly two years.

“Where are the budgeted funds going?” said Dr Denotrah Archer-Cartwright while appearing as

a guest on the Guardian’s Morning Blend yesterday. “Because some months we don't have a payment, all right, and they struggle to even do a half payment.”

Her remarks are the latest sign of doctors’ growing frustration with the programme as concerns about its financial stability mount. She said some doctors have quietly left the programme, while others have been forced to scale back services due to the financial strain. “Doctors have dropped out quietly, laboratories have dropped out quietly, but they're still expanding the programme. This is the thing that we don't

older section of the airport, adding that upgrades to the facility mean other areas could still support operations once airspace reopens.

A separate drone incident struck a residential building, injuring two people. Ms Williams said the strike was not near her home and she did not hear it because she was asleep.

“They have been giving ways to leave the country via road travel. However, the citizens themselves are not worried because

they've been through something like this before with the Gulf War back in the 90s, so they're not concerned,” she said.

“Until they are concerned, I'm not going to be worried about it. Our school is also taking good care of us. They're having wellness checks. Every day we log on to check on everybody’s well-being and make sure everyone is taking time to breathe.”

Despite the tensions in the Middle East, Ms Williams said life in Kuwait has remained largely uninterrupted. She can still communicate with family and friends abroad and has not been deprived of essential services.

The country is also in the final two weeks of Ramadan, with daily routines adjusting to the fasting period.

She said she finds comfort in the international community at her school, which includes Americans, Canadians, British citizens and other nationalities. The school is currently on spring break.

However, her threshold for considering leaving would be if US troops were deployed on the ground in Iran.

“It is expensive to go on this long road trip because once you get to the border — the only one open is the Saudi Arabia border — you have to travel from there to the airport and pay for your own transportation,” she said.

“Then you have to pay for your flight out, which could get cancelled. If it gets cancelled, you then have to pay for housing wherever you are and more expenses. And once you get out, how do you get back in once the airspace is open? Then you have to come back and go to work.”

She has considered a contingency plan if tensions escalate, including travelling to a nearby country during spring break so she could return easily if classes move online.

“I also have a pet, which makes it very hard because they need certain tests and paperwork to get out. So we’ve started that process. I've made sure they're up to date on all their shots so we can cross the border if needed.”

Ms Williams said she has also explored visa options for travelling through Saudi Arabia, noting that some officials are unfamiliar with The Bahamas when processing applications.

“The Saudi embassy and Saudi border authorities are being really reasonable because they are expediting visas. You can get one within 10 to 15 minutes, and it's good for three days to make the journey into their country and fly out. If you get a longer-term one it's more expensive, but they are very good about expediting visas. The costs may be high, but if I need to, I will have to.”

Doctors sound alarm over NHI delays again

understand,” she said. “If you're saying you're having an issue with cash flow, why would you be expanding?”

Doctors in NHI are paid through capitation and do not submit individual billing claims, while laboratory providers invoice through a separate system.

Dr Ian Kelly, another provider, said doctors are paid $12.50 per patient in their group, while Dr Archer-Cartwright noted the rate can start as low as $6.

“It only works if the system was working, and the way that it was sold to us is that we will provide consistency and transparency for you taking a tiny,

tiny, tiny aliquot of funds to see these patients,” she said.

Dr Kelly, meanwhile, said providers have received no payment increases since 2017, even as the cost of living has risen by more than 30 percent.

“So it's completely dysfunctional for a start, it's completely dishonest, and it downgrades us as professionals. It makes it easier to develop burnout, because you realise you're

being disrespected by the people who are in charge and we have no say,” he added.

Government officials have blamed payment delays in part on problems with laboratory claims and weak pre-clearance controls.

Health Minister Dr Michael Darville said earlier this year that irregularities sometimes emerge in how claims are calculated and argued the

system needs tighter, more efficient processing. Still, he said work is continuing to make the process more efficient and ensure claims move through the system in a more structured way.

Meanwhile, frustrated providers have formed an association to highlight their concerns but say they are still waiting to be officially registered after being asked in January to change its name.

Olympian Ferguson-McKenzie named wellness ambassador

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

OLYMPIC medallist

Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie has been appointed National Student Wellness Ambassador as part of a new government initiative aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among students across The Bahamas.

The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, announced the appointment during a press conference yesterday.

Mrs Ferguson-McKenzie, a five-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medallist, will serve in the role for a 12-month term that began March 2. The programme is designed to promote nutrition literacy, physical activity and healthy lifestyle practices among primary and secondary school students nationwide.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the initiative is part of broader efforts to address the country’s growing health crisis linked to chronic non-communicable diseases.

“I want to thank the Minister of Health and his team for this partnership, and to say that this is something for me that has been long in coming,” she said.

Referring to national health statistics, she added:

“When you look at our health statistics in the Bahamas — diabetes, hypertension, etcetera, and the various illnesses or catastrophes that are on the heels of these diseases — we know we have a crisis in the Bahamas.”

Mrs Hanna-Martin said research shows that educating young people about healthy lifestyles can significantly reduce these conditions.

“The research that I saw suggests that the more you educate students in a captive space called the school, the greater the outcomes are for their health,” she said. “In fact, this research I looked at said that 80 percent of these cases would be prevented.” Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said many chronic illnesses affecting Bahamians are preventable and linked to lifestyle choices.

“Eighty percent of non-communicable diseases are preventable, so 80 percent of the challenges that we experience at our tertiary healthcare facilities are preventable conditions that are brought on by lifestyle,” he said.

Dr Darville said early intervention through schools is key to reducing the long-term burden on the healthcare system.

“When we protect the health of young people, we protect our future, we protect the productivity of our

country, and we protect the resilience of the Bahamian people,” he said.

The initiative will include school visits, digital outreach and national media campaigns. The programme will reach students across all islands through a blended model of in-person engagements, virtual sessions and student-led wellness challenges.

According to the ministry, the programme will focus on helping students understand the connection between nutrition, discipline, physical activity and long-term health outcomes. In her remarks, Mrs Ferguson-McKenzie said she was honoured to accept the role and pledged to work with students across the country to promote healthier habits.

“I am very honoured and very thankful for this appointment. I take it very seriously,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of community involvement in supporting young people.

“It takes a village,” she said. “When I show up and we’re going to show out, we’re going to encourage you — no judgment.”

Officials said the programme will run for 12 months, after which a national review will assess student participation, engagement and opportunities to expand the initiative within the education system.

Boat captain abandons

not guilty plea, faces 10-year minimum in US drug smuggling case

found on the boat and that Goodman admitted he was solely involved in the smuggling.

Given these circumstances, Mr White said his client plans to plead guilty to the offences, each of which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

finalize plea negotiations with the Government.”

Mr White added that Assistant US Attorney Germaine Corprew has no objection to the request and that Goodman understands and waives his right to a speedy trial for the continuance.

Goodman, an experienced boat captain based in Eleuthera, entered into a business partnership with Mr Dames, the FNM’s candidate for Mount Moriah, in 2024.

“A safety valve statement interview is currently scheduled for April 22nd, 2026. The defendant seeks a continuance of thirty (30) days so he can continue and

After his arrest, Mr Dames confirmed that he and his wife entered into a business arrangement with Goodman in 2024 but said neither he nor his wife

had any knowledge of, involvement in, or benefit from any alleged unlawful activity connected to the case, and that they did not authorise, participate in, or sanction any criminal conduct.

Mr Dames, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police who later served as Minister of National Security under the Minnis administration, said he has dedicated his life to protecting the country and would not speculate on allegations now before law enforcement authorities.

He said he and his wife would fully cooperate with any lawful inquiry in The Bahamas or the United States. PLEA

HANNA-MARTIN: SWEEPING BILLS TO BRING ‘STRUCTURE’ TO EDUCATION

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

EDUCATION Minister

Glenys Hanna-Martin says two major pieces of legislation tabled by the Davis administration aim to modernise and strengthen the country’s education system by introducing stronger standards, earlier access to formal schooling and tighter oversight of schools and early childhood institutions.

Speaking about the proposed Education Bill, 2026 and the Early Childhood Care Commission Bill, 2026, Ms Hanna-Martin said the reforms are intended to create a more structured and accountable framework while ensuring young children receive proper instruction and care in their earliest years.

The Education Bill, 2026 represents one of the most significant overhauls of the country’s education system in decades. If passed, it would repeal the 1962 Education Act and replace it with a modern legal framework focused on regulation, accountability and enforceable standards rather than broad ministerial discretion.

One of the most notable changes is the lowering of the compulsory school age from five to four. Under the proposed law, children who turn four by September 30 would be required to enrol in school, formally bringing pre-primary education into the compulsory education system for the first time.

“I think this is the first rendition on education since the 80s and I think that this is bringing a lot

of depth and structure to the delivery of education in this country. For example, it starts with providing mandatory education at the age of four,” Ms Hanna-Martin said.

“This is because we have a more informed understanding of the importance of pre-primary education on human development, and the ministry has determined that, in light of that science and that reality, we have to get children into the classroom at an earlier age.”

Compulsory attendance would continue until age 16 unless a student meets graduation requirements earlier.

Ms Hanna-Martin said the bill signals the government’s intention to treat education as a cornerstone of national development.

“It deals with a whole array of aspects of education, but it is sending a signal to the nation that education is the centrepiece of national development and that when we execute it, it is not ad hoc or a build-on, but a process that has been carefully thought out,” she said.

The legislation would also introduce a statutory national curriculum for the first time. While the current law gives the minister authority over schools, it does not establish a legally mandated curriculum with enforceable learning outcomes.

The new bill would require the Ministry of Education to develop a national curriculum and require schools to comply with it. Learning outcomes would be established for both public and private schools to ensure

consistency across the education system.

The bill would also reorganise the structure of the education system into four stages: pre-primary, primary, secondary and post-secondary or tertiary education. Special education, alternative education and adult education would also be formally integrated into the national education system.

The legislation would introduce formal regulation of homeschooling for the first time.

Currently, the law allows parents to ensure their children receive education “by regular attendance at school or otherwise”, but it does not define homeschooling or establish statutory standards.

Under the new bill, home schools would be recognised as one of three school classifications alongside public and private schools. Parents who choose to educate their children at home would be required to meet prescribed standards and submit to monitoring by authorities.

“One of the issues is homeschooling. We have homeschooling, but this legislation, I believe, for the first time develops standards and a framework for homeschooling,” Ms Hanna-Martin said.

Meanwhile, the minister also addressed the Early Childhood Care Commission Bill, 2026, which seeks to introduce stricter regulation of day-care centres and pre-schools.

The bill would establish an Early Childhood Care Commission and governing board to regulate facilities across the country

Renovated PMH emergency room to fully open despite cost overruns

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Chief Reporter

THE newly renovated Accident and Emergency department at Princess Margaret Hospital is expected to be ready for full occupancy by the end of the month, Health and Wellness Minister

Dr Michael Darville said yesterday, adding that the move will allow the hospital to provide better-quality services.

Dr Darville said while patients already have limited access to the area, officials decided to expand occupancy in phases to ensure operations run smoothly.

“The entire occupancy of the newly renovated accident emergency is scheduled to be completed on the 23rd of this month and I'm excited about it, because you

notice the fence has now been removed to that portion, and we are now seeing patients from the main emergency area,” Minister Darville told reporters yesterday.

“That will expand over the next couple of weeks until we're able to shift a lot of the movement from the main entrance to the emergency room where it was all destined to be.”

He said the department’s opening means improved services for critical patients in need to transferred to various sections in PMH.

The A&E upgrade was announced in 2023 and initially billed as a transformative fix for chronic overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, but it repeatedly slipped past earlier completion targets due to various construction changes and technical setbacks.

Dr Darville said the project’s cost “has ballooned” well beyond the original contractual agreement signed when construction on the renovations began, though he did not specify by how much or provide an overall prject cost. Looking ahead, he said the next phase of work will involve the renovation and demolition of the kitchen at PMH, which has been has been out of service since 2024.

Meals for PMH patients are currently cooked and prepared at the University of The Bahamas (UB) and then transported to the public hospital.

Yesterday, Dr Darville noted that officials are proceeding cautiously with the project due potential risks related to the area’s structural integrity.

and oversee training, curriculum development and policy advice for children from birth to four years old.

Operators who run preschools or day-care centres without proper registration could face fines of up to $5,000, with additional daily penalties for continued violations.

Strict requirements would also be introduced for operators and employees, including training in early childhood care and education, medical certification and the absence of criminal convictions.

endangers public health, safety or the welfare of children.

The minister would also have the authority to suspend the operations of any day-care centre or pre-school deemed to be operating in a way that

Failure to comply with a suspension order could result in fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

Ms Hanna-Martin said the government hopes the Education Bill will be debated in Parliament next week.

The Tribune Limited

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Where has the money gone?

WHERE’S the money gone?

Yet again, National Health Insurance providers are saying payments to them are overdue. This time, it is two months overdue, they say, while the last payment only covered half what is owed. A frustrated provider, Dr Denotrah Archer-Cartwright asked yesterday: “Where are the budgeted funds going? Because some months we don’t have a payment, all right, and they struggle to even do a half payment.”

This is far from the first time this has happened. We would wager that the payments have been more often late than on time in recent years.

In September last year, in fact, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville declared that sorting out payment delays that at that point had already dragged on for months was “top priority”.

If he has not been able to resolve in the six months since he made it his top priority, we dread to think how long it will be before he sorts out the items further down his priority list. That itself followed the minister speaking on the subject in June last year, when he declared that he was “on top of” the matter, saying: “I’m on top of it; on top of it to get it resolved and get the doctors paid.”

He added: “I’m not waiting for the new Budget to get it resolved. I cannot wait to get it sorted out.”

Last month, Prime Minister Philip Davis weighed in on the matter, saying that there were “irregularities” in the billing process for NHI. Doctors quickly pointed out this makes little sense. Doctors and physicians do not bill or make claims for payment under the healthcare scheme. They are simply paid a set monthly sum per patient – regardless of how many times they see that patient or the amount of care or treatment they require.

One medic, who did not wish to be named, said they felt the PM was throwing doctors’ reputations “under the bus”.

At the time, Dr Archer-Cartwright added: “Doctors don’t bill NHI… They tell us who is on the patient list, they tell us what they are going to pay us and when they are going to pay us… We’ve gone from a guaranteed date of payment to nothing.”

Dr Darville last month suggested that part of the reason for the payment delays was a problem with laboratory claims and weak pre-clearance controls.

At the time, he said he had raised the issue of delayed payments with

the Ministry of Finance, saying: “I’ve spoken to finance for it, the response has been excellent.”

Not excellent enough, if the payments are still late.

Some doctors have reportedly pulled out of providing services from the scheme.

Dr Archer-Cartwright said yesterday: “Doctors have dropped out quietly, laboratories have dropped out quietly, but they’re still expanding the programme. This is the thing that we don’t understand. If you’re saying you’re having an issue with cash flow, why would you be expanding?”

This comes at a time when the government has a number of unpaid bills – last month, the mid-year Budget showed that unpaid invoices and arrears had nearly doubled, rising by nearly $120m in a year to hit $241.898m.

The doctors, clearly, are not the only ones left unpaid. They are, however, a group that has been hit regularly by slow payment provision for a prolonged period of time.

Clearly, as much as Dr Darville has claimed he is on top of matters and was making it a top priority, he has failed to solve this recurring issue.

If the problem is at his end, then we would ordinarily say he might consider his position. However, with an election imminent, the public will soon be the ones considering his position – and that of his government colleagues.

If the problem is with the Ministry of Finance, then the minister at the head of that division is the prime minister himself, who in today’s Tribune is talking about finding the bell and giving it a polish ready to be rung for the election. He promises the vote will be soon – which will come first, the election or the payment for providers?

If this is a cashflow problem, it should not be. Revenues from taxes have been flowing into the treasury, while loan funds have also been available. The government should be paying down the amount it owes, rather than seeing it increase.

This should also be resolved permanently – not a pay-off this time, or a part pay-off. Whatever the problem is, fix it. These doctors are playing their part in the national health scheme – so pay them what they are owed. If you cannot, then as the doctors ask, where are the funds going?

There is serious explaining to do –for a government with little time to do so before voters have their say.

Letter to Clay Sweeting

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Dear Minister

Sweeting,

I met your “not an arborist” tree cutter at the “Sloop Sailing Tribute Park” this morning, as he was finishing off the Cork Tree that still had an ounce of life in its few remaining limbs. I asked him who was paying for his work, and he replied quite haughtily, ”The Government”, and I therefore assumed, and asked, if it was Ministry of Works, to which he replied “yes”. I then asked why he was chopping these lovely and ancient trees down, and as he continued raking the debris, he said it was the mess that they create. At that point my sensibilities went into overdrive and I wondered if he had seen the plethora of long-dead coconut three limbs, strewn from one end of the park to the next. Or if he had seen the hundreds of plastic bottles littering the park, or the constantly full but broken, makeshift, ceramic trash box. Or the coconut husks left in a dirty heap, next to the Environmental Protection Department sign, stating the laws against

Reimbursment claims under ‘94 agreement

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN light of the recent high court decision favoring the Government of the Bahamas (GOTB) against the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), a critical examination of the arbitration proceedings would reveal significant inconsistencies regarding the claimed reimbursement under the 1994 Agreement.

The assertion that the Government successfully claimed reimbursement under this Agreement is fundamentally flawed, as the Tribunal explicitly indicated that the matter was neither pleaded nor claimed for relief during the arbitration.

We propose a perspective which argues that the high court’s ruling, while seemingly favorable for the GOTB, is built on a precarious foundation of misinterpretation regarding the claims made in the arbitration.

To understand the implications of the Tribunal’s findings, one must first examine the context of the arbitration proceedings. The Government of the Bahamas, in its statements, notably asserted, “Whether the review provisions in Paragraph 3 can now be implemented, and if so to what extent, should not be determined in this arbitration…”

This assertion reflects a clear understanding that certain matters (particularly concerning the review provisions of the 1994 Agreement) were not to be addressed within the scope of the arbitration.

The Government’s own admission indicates that it was aware of the limitations of its claims and the context in which they were being made. Furthermore, the Tribunal’s ruling at paragraph 226 underscores the

absence of a claim for reimbursement under the 1994 Agreement: “It is not an issue which has been pleaded; it is not the subject of any relief that is claimed…”

This statement is unequivocal and serves as a critical reminder of the procedural requirements that govern arbitration.

For a claim to be deemed “successfully claimed,” it must first be articulated within the proceedings. The Tribunal’s assertion that the matter was not pleaded illuminates the fundamental flaw in the GOTB’s argument that it successfully claimed reimbursement.

Without having formally articulated a claim, the Government cannot retrospectively assert that such a claim was ever successfully made.

Critics of this interpretation may argue that the high court decision serves to reinforce the GOTB’s position and validate its actions in pursuing reimbursement.

However, this perspective fails to address the procedural integrity inherent in arbitration.

The Tribunal’s role is not merely to adjudicate claims based on outcomes; it is to ensure that all claims presented adhere to the principles of due process and are properly articulated within the framework of the proceedings. By disregarding the Tribunal’s explicit statements, one risks undermining the very foundation of arbitration — that parties must clearly define their claims for resolution.

The implications of the high court’s decision extend beyond the

immediate case at hand. If the ruling is allowed to stand without addressing the procedural inconsistencies highlighted by the Tribunal, it sets a troubling precedent for future arbitration cases in the Bahamas and beyond. It suggests that parties may circumvent the necessary procedural rigor required in arbitration by retroactively asserting claims that were never formally made.

Such a development could erode trust in the arbitration process, leading to an environment where the clarity and specificity of claims become secondary to the outcomes favored by the courts.

In conclusion, the assertion that the Government of the Bahamas successfully claimed reimbursement under the 1994 Agreement is fundamentally undermined by the findings of the Tribunal.

The explicit acknowledgment by the Tribunal that the matter was neither pleaded nor claimed for relief illustrates a critical procedural oversight.

As the high court affirms the ruling in favor of the GOTB, it is imperative that it recognises the importance of adhering to the principles of due process in arbitration. Only by maintaining these standards can the integrity of the arbitration process be preserved, ensuring that all parties are held accountable to the same rigorous expectations.

The high court must not only focus on the outcome but also reinforce the foundational principles that govern fair and just arbitration.

DIOGENES Nassau, March 11, 2026.

Transparency and public confidence

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PUBLIC confidence in governance is one of the most important pillars of a healthy democracy, and recent discussions surrounding financial disclosures by public officials raise important questions about transparency and accountability in The Bahamas.

littering and the penalties thereof. And my mind wandered, at the placement of the lay by that this glorious shade tree was next too, giving our people a lovely shady spot to park and look out on Montague Bay and enjoy the cool breeze as they watched the sloop racing, or just contemplating what life would be like, living in a desert. I guess you will just have to build another lay-by now, under one of the remaining trees.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau, March 12, 2026.

I write in response to recent reporting in The Tribune regarding questions about increases in politicians’ declared assets and the comments from National Security Minister Wayne Munroe and former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on whether such changes are adequately examined under the country’s public disclosure system. The issue raised is an important one for the health of our democracy. The financial disclosure framework was created to ensure that public officials remain accountable and that the public can have confidence that those entrusted with governing are not personally benefiting from their positions. When declarations show substantial increases in wealth, it is reasonable for citizens to expect that

the system will function as intended — not only to verify those changes, but also to reassure the public that transparency and accountability remain guiding principles of governance. Minister Munroe noted that authorities possess investigative powers to examine financial activity, including bank records, without a person’s knowledge. While this may indeed be the case, the wider concern expressed by civil society’s, voices is also understandable: if the process operates entirely behind closed doors, the public may struggle to believe that the system is actively working. Transparency is not simply about having laws in place; it is also about maintaining public trust that those laws are applied consistently and fairly. As the nation now appears to be approaching a general election — with comments from Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell suggesting that the country could head to the polls in the coming weeks — these questions take on even greater significance. Election seasons naturally

place leadership, governance and integrity at the forefront of national discussion.

For many Bahamians, the issue is not about targeting any individual or political party. Rather, it is about ensuring that the institutions designed to safeguard transparency operate effectively and inspire confidence among the people they serve. Strengthening the public disclosure framework, improving reporting on compliance, and ensuring that oversight bodies function with independence would go a long way toward reinforcing that confidence. Ultimately, the strength of any democracy rests on the trust between citizens and those who govern them. As our nation approaches another election cycle, it is worth remembering that transparency, accountability and integrity are not merely political talking points — they are the foundation upon which public confidence in leadership is built.

ROLAND E ANDREWS Sr Nassau, March 12, 2026.

Jamaican man faces child sex charges, claims police abuse

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 50-YEAR-OLD

Jamaican man charged on Thursday with allegedly having sex with a minor child is also claiming police brutality.

The man was charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a dependent and one count of indecent assault involving an eight-year-old girl.

It is alleged that the accused had unlawful sexual intercourse with the dependent between December 1 and December 30, 2024, and between September 1 and September 30, 2025, in Freeport.

The suspect also faces a charge of indecently assaulting the eight-year-old

between January 1 and February 1, 2026, in Freeport. He was not required to enter a plea to the charges. Prosecutor Corporal Kenton Smith asked that bail be denied.

Attorney Brian Hanna raised concerns in court about injuries his client allegedly sustained while in police custody.

He asked the court to note on the record that when he previously met with his client during a police interview, the accused appeared to be in good condition and did not have the cut now visible on his face. Mr Hanna said his client later indicated that after he left the station that evening, officers allegedly harassed him in an attempt to get him to confess and beat him about the body and face, resulting in the injuries now

visible. “I can vouch for him that the scar was not on his face, and request that he be seen by a doctor,” he said.

Magistrate Uel Johnson ordered Prosecutor Smith to ensure that the suspect is examined by a doctor.

The suspect was denied bail and the matter was adjourned to April 20 for a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

He was also charged with overstaying his time in the country.

It is alleged that on March 11, 2026, the accused was found in Freeport after the expiration of a work permit granted on April 17, 2019. The permit expired on April 16, 2020.

He pleaded not guilty to that charge.

That matter was adjourned to May 11, 2026.

Juvenile charged in stabbing death of Freeport student

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A JUVENILE was charged with the murder of Gtero Foster on Thursday in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court. The teen, who was accompanied by his mother, appeared before Magistrate Uel Johnson in Court One, where he was also charged with the attempted murder of Deborne Rigby and attempting to cause the death of Ulandre Roberts. The incidents are alleged to have occurred on March 8 in Freeport. Foster, a 17-year-old student at St George’s High

GB mother charged with failing to report her daughter’s abuse

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A Grand Bahama mother has been charged with failing to report the alleged sexual abuse of her eightyear-old daughter, which reportedly began in December 2024 and continued into 2026.

The child is currently in the protective custody of the Department of Social Services.

The 49-year-old woman, who appeared before Magistrate Uel Johnson, pleaded not guilty to three counts of failing to make a mandatory report of abuse involving a minor.

The mother is accused of failing to report the abuse of the child to the proper authorities between December 1 and December 31, 2024; September 1 and September 30, 2025; and January 1 and January 31, 2026.

Haitian

School, was stabbed at a popular night spot on Queen’s Highway.

The juvenile was not required to enter a plea to the charges. He was represented by attorney Brian Hanna.

Bail was denied and the matter was adjourned to April 20 for a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

Suspect remanded over $100 armed robbery on Soldier Road

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of robbing another man at gunpoint outside a business on Soldier Road last week was remanded to prison yesterday.

Prosecutors allege that Samuel Joseph, 44, while armed with a handgun and wearing a black hoodie, robbed Kirk McCaulsky of $100 as he sat in his vehicle with the door open at around 11pm on March 4. Joseph was not required to enter a plea to the charge of armed robbery when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. He was informed that

his case will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) and that he must apply for bail in the higher court.

Joseph was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of his VBI on August 28.

Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case.

Bail denied for man in $18.4m drug smuggling plot

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of attempting to smuggle

$18.4m worth of cocaine and $7,000 worth of marijuana into The Bahamas has been denied bail by the Supreme Court. Zenard Rolle, 30, was denied bail by Justice Renae McKay.

Prosecutors allege that the US Coast Guard thwarted the plan when they intercepted a Bahamian-registered go-fast boat off Cuba on December 7, 2025.

Police allegedly seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine, seven pounds of marijuana, and a .40 Smith and Wesson pistol after searching the vessel.

Rolle, along with

Howard Rolle, James Jones of Andros, and Nicholas Duckenson of Negril, Jamaica, denied charges of drug possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to import drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to possess drugs with intent to supply, and possession of an unlicensed firearm at their arraignment before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms in December.

Prosecutors argued that the accused was not a fit candidate for bail, while the defendant maintained his innocence. The prosecution said the accused was apprehended after a high-speed chase and that the evidence against him was cogent. They objected to granting bail in the interest of public safety and to protect witnesses. Prosecutors

also argued that denying bail would be to the benefit of the accused’s own safety, referencing the dangers associated with international drug trafficking.

Defence attorney

Ryszard Humes said his client had no prior convictions and did not pose a flight risk. He added that his client was a fisherman with strong ties to the community.

Justice McKay denied bail, ruling that there were no conditions that could be imposed to ensure the defendant’s attendance at trial. She also cited concerns for the accused’s own safety.

Rolle was informed of his right to appeal the court’s decision.

His trial is set to begin on April 16.

Prosecutor Corporal 3700 Kenton Smith did not object to bail but asked that conditions be imposed prohibiting thea mother from having any contact with the child.

“This is one incident in which the circumstances involve the vulnerability of a young child who is the daughter of the accused, and we understand that she is in the custody of Social Services.”

Defence attorney Ernie Wallace objected to his client being prohibited from seeing her child, noting the importance of parent-child attachment.

“I find it a bit ridiculous that the prosecution would ask that the mother of a minor child be prohibited by law from having contact, even as she is in custody at the Children’s Homes.

“I would never think that a parent should be intentionally deprived of contact with their own children.

“In spite of the fact that there are three charges of knowingly not reporting, the operative word in all three of those charges is knowingly. So I ask that the defendant be granted bail, and whatever protocol is placed now with the Children’s Home for her to have an appointment. I'm sure these appointments are supervised appointments,” he said.

“And these appointments are not just for the good of the mother, they are for the good of the child. I don't believe the child should be deprived of attachment to her mother,” he added.

Magistrate Johnson said it was his understanding that Social Services already had arrangements in place.

“I am not going to try to usurp what Social Services does,” he said.

He granted the mother $5,000 bail with one or two suretors and set the trial for July 2.

man granted $6,000 bail over fake passport charges

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A HAITIAN man accused of possessing a fraudulent Bahamian passport and attempting to obtain a spousal permit under false pretences was granted bail yesterday.

Prosecutors allege that Geedhin Louis, 47, attempted to fraudulently obtain a Bahamian residential spousal permit from the Department of Immigration on

December 6, 2023. Louis allegedly obtained a fraudulent Bahamian passport in his name on February 25. He is further accused of uttering the same fraudulent passport at the National Insurance Board on that day.

Louis pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of a false document, uttering a false document, fraud by false pretences, and attempted fraud by false pretences before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly

Burrows.

The defendant was granted $6,000 bail with one or two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, he will be fitted with a monitoring device and must sign in at the Quakoo Street Police Station every Friday by 6pm. Louis is scheduled to return to court for mention on April 9 and for trial on May 28. Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted the case. Alex Dorsett represented the accused.

Two Americans on $9,000 bail for illegal fishing in Abaco

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO American men accused of illegal fishing in waters off Treasure Cay, Abaco, earlier this week were granted cash bail yesterday.

Prosecutors allege that David Mize, 54, of Treasure Cay, and Charles Slattery, 40, of Florida, engaged in fishing aboard

the vessel Big Blue without a charter fishing licence on March 10.

The accused were not required to enter a plea to the charge of engaging a fishing vessel without a charter fishing licence when they appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville.

The defendants were told their matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). They were each granted $9,000 cash bail and will be fitted with monitoring devices.

The accused are scheduled to return to court on June 29 for service of their VBIs. Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the case. Devard Francis and Terrell Butler represented the accused.

The drug plane saga of Chubb Cay

THE mostvisited extant drug plane wreckin the Berry Islands is a twin-engine DC-3. Itliespartlyoutofthewaterin just6feet nearshorejustinside Cistern Cay, near Great Harbour. According to local legend and Kraken Yachts, the aircraft ran out of fuel while waitingfor permissiontoland on Cistern Cay.

The truth is often wilder than fiction,though. This Douglas C-47(aka DC-3)aircraft crashedin flameson Friday,1 July,1983,carrying 300pounds ofmarijuana.The crashwas reportedaweek later by the Mexican newspaper ElSiglo deTorreon. The bodiesof twoDominican citizens werefound andretrieved from the wreck, with thewhereaboutsoftheirburial unknown.

OnMay11tenyearsearlier, a twin-engine Lockheed airplane with twopeople aboard also crashed four miles north of ChubCay (alsospelled Chubb Cay),in theBerry Islands en routeto Florida, accordingto TheTribunenewspaper. One of the bodies – that ofayoungman–wasfoundin four feet of water by CID skin divers, near a cockpit plane seat. Also recoveredby the

policewere fivebagscontaining 240 lbs.of marijuana. The bags of already-wet drugs were cut open and dumped intothesea, andtheUSFederal AviationAdministration (FAA) joined authorities in the search.

Thepilot, MikeZorovich, Sr,had rentedthe aircraftin Fort Lauderdale, telling his familyhe wouldreturnthat sameday. Zorovich,assumed to bethe pilot ofthe plane, was thought to be the operator ofafish exportandtrading business. Oncethe crashwas discovered, his son, Mike Jr, had the sad duty of reporting that the bodyfound was not thatoftheir father.TheTribune reportedthe detailsin a May, 1983 article. The plane crash victim’s bodywas identified asthat ofClinton Bruce Bunn, of Fort Lauderdale.”

The 17April, 1982Miami Heraldrecorded anotherincident of drug-related violence inthe area.Pan Ampilot Lawrence Holdoway, 62, and his wife Audreywere anchored intheir 37 sailboat WhipReyin theJoulterCays near Chubwhen Bernard Brown, 45, his 16-year-old son James, and 15-year-old

and the Berry Islands

Loftus Rolle, ofLowe Sound, Andros,boarded theboat. After reportedlyasking for “matches,water andfood” they demandeddrugs atgunpoint. Within momentstwo of three men had been shot and killed, with James Brown’s body beingfound washed ashore. Four years earlier, Leo and BunnyRyan hadreported a similarattack bysimilar assailants. The incident highlights theescalating violence and tension caused and heightened byintense drug smuggling activitiesin the area. Even the Bahamas Defence Force wasimplicated, according to TheMiami Herald, which reportedanother incident at the time. "Some Americanboaters saytheyhave been shaken down by Defence Force gunboats. Jim Davidoff, amate onthe sport fishermanBornFree,saidseveral Bahamian marines from thecutter Abacoboardedthe boat with machineguns, three weeksago nearChub Cayto searchfor drugs.TheUS consul and DEAclaimed no Americans hadreported such incidents, and an RBDF spokesmansaid therewere impersonators at work.”

Aircraft wrecked in the Berry Islands in this period include aCessna atStirrup Cay in1977, aGulfstreamat

Chub, aPiper atLittle Whale Cay,and anotherthree Cessnas, aPiper anda Mooneyat GreatHarbour Cay.

Ina December1980incident,a heavily-armedAmerican liquor store owner aboard the 45 sailboat Bel Esprit warded off an armed attack by aboat nearMorgan s Bluff after a gunfight.The Bel Espiritwas rescuedfromthe pursuing boatnear ChubCay after a Bahamianpatrol plane arrivedand begancircling overhead[andthe boatsbroke off the chase,” according to another Miami Herald article.

A 1981 study by the same newspaper, notedthat the GreatHarbour Caydrug market of the northern Berry Islands waslargely controlled bya criminalgroup runby Louis Kojak Garcia, and the WhaleCay areawas runby Ronald Markowski,who was affiliatedwith anintegrated family trucking firm out of Indiana. Chub Caywas controlledby Jamiel Jimmy Chagra and Robert Twist, Sr. Garcia, however, flipped from boss to bait three years later, as the millionaire cocaine smugglerwas usedby the DEA in 1984 to entrap and convictothers intheillicit trade.

Bahamian officials were alsocaughtup intheactivity. Reports at the time show that “Samuel LeroyMiller, 47, chairmanof theNationalProgressive Committeein Nassau,and JohnJonathan Rolle, 40, asenior immigration officer, were convicted of conspiracy toimport cocaine. Garcia testified that he

paidMiller andRolle

$100,000 cash in a suitcase in Miami to providefuel, radios, and cargo transfer services when heflew 800pounds of cocaine intoGreat Whale Cay.

According toreports, Miller wasrecorded offering to sell protection for the use of Great Whale Cay to trans-ship 900lbs.of cocaineforastart, andtoget GarciaofftheBahamas’ stop list.” This intelligence was found in the files of now USSupreme CourtChief Justice John G. Roberts, when hewas AssociateCounselto President Ronald Reagan. RobertTwistSr,58,wasdescribedin aFtLauderdale Sun-Sentinel article at his sentencing in 1984as “a Fort Lauderdale boatcaptain sentenced to15 yearsfor theimportation to SouthFlorida of

29 tonsof marijuanafrom Colombia, the Bahamas, and Jamaica between 1978 and 1984.” Twistbrought down with him his 33-year-old son RobertJr, andother menin their 20s and30s, who each received at least six months in prison.

Jimmy Chagrawas regarded as the most significant importerofmarijuanaintothe USand centralUS duringthe 1960sand1970s,andwasimplicatedforkillingaUSjudge namedJohnH.Woodin1979. Wikipedianotes thatChagra was accused (but acquitted) of hiring hitmanCharles Harrelson(actor WoodyHarrelson's father) tokill Wood for $250,000. Accordingto reportsin BestofCoast toCoastin April of2025, itwas rumoured that Chagra s fearsome reputation and financial backing enabled him to have hisboats andplanesgo throughor bytheBahamas without interference,and also gouptoBostonandintroduce himself to mob boss and godfather of New England, RaymondPatriarca. Heworked outa dealthat wouldallow drugsto besafelyunloaded off the ships on the Boston coastline.”

Finally, in April 1987, the Orlando Sentinel reported that a Cessna 402-B was tracked entering Bahamas from Cuba and followed toChub Cay. When the aircraft landed there--trackedby aCustoms’ Citation radar-equippedjet-anOPBAT helicoptermanned by DEA landedright behind them,arrested fiveyoung men,and confiscated761 pounds of cocaine. This aircraft was likelyflown to Nassau, whereit waslined up withmany othersalongthe primary nationalairport and shown offbefore beingauctioned and sold. If allowed to sit too long, or ifpilotshired toflytheplanes wereunfamiliar withthe model or suspicious of the condition, theseplanes might just be left there as another incidentalcostofdoingbusiness in that trade.

Ode to Eileen Carron on her 96th birthday

there will never be another like you

DEAR Eileen,

Youalways tellme tocall youby yourfirst name,but evenafteralltheseyearsIfind it hard to doso. You deserve so muchrespect thatcalling youby yourfirst namefeels wrong, asif wewere equals. We are not.

There isno onein TheBahamas who qualifiesas an equaltoyou, Eileen.(There,I saidyourfirst name.Itfeels okayinprint form.Itjust won t roll off my tongue.)

You are the last one to acknowledgeit, butthe truthis The Bahamashas liftedyou where you would never dream of lifting yourself – onto a pedestal.You areprobably shaking your head, denying it, butbelieve me,it’s onethat yourcourage, integrity,journalisticandpersonalstandards lifted you on to. You sit on a pedestal built on unshakable principles.

Asyou celebrateyour 96th birthdaytoday, Ihope you are reflecting on all the wonders, the progress, the setbacks, the dreams and occasional frightening real-life scenarios that seasoned your decades. Tenyears ago,when you turned86, youtold aninternationaljournalistwhatyou have saidto many ofus: you never wanted the job as an editor or publisher. You had gone to lawschool with every intention ofpracticing. You were thesecond womanever to be admitted to the Bahamas Bar,but,like yourdad,when dutycalled youacceptedit and never lookedback, becoming editor andlater publisher of The Tribune and, eventually,after 53years,becoming thelongest-serving editor in the world.

What anachievement --a petite woman on a tiny island who stood herground and made a difference in the world aroundher. Thatisyou, Eileen,and thecountryyou helped to steer the course marks this milestone of 96 cycles around the sun with you.

I wonder whatyou see when youlook backacross thoseyears. Therewerelong, wearydays inthenewsroom.

That’s whereI firstmet you, deliveringa storyby handbeforethe faxmachine wasinvented. Backthen, therewas only The Tribune, Guardian andZNS andIwould typea story, attach the photo or photos togo with it,with the caption on aseparate piece of paper Scotch-tapedto the back of the print. I’d make the rounds, delivering toall three media houses.

When I gotto The Tribune, I lingered more,sometimes to talk with you,sometimes to Roger, who was always standingat thelargeboards, laying out those huge pages, justthewayI hadasakidon anothernewspaper: withactual cut-and-paste actions, slicing typeset copywith an Exact-o knife andpasting it ontothe pagewithwhite paste, getting thecolumns exactly straight,juggling headlines, stories, and ads. British-born Roger,tall and proud andstraight andproper, and you, so tiny and composed andenergetic, created anatmosphere wherereportersand staffworkedwith passion andpurpose, pushing themselves tomeet thestandardsyou set.Yourexpectations were high-- create the best newspaperevery daythat it was humanly possible to produce.Every word,every paragraph,everyheadlinepersonally scrutinisedby you (andno onecould writelike you could.)

You wanted to live up to the legacy set by afamily that believed in justiceand fair play andknewthe timehadcome for majority rule. Roger shared your vision and wanted to live up to the standards you set.Despite thefinest

painstaking efforts to produce a paperevery daythat would matchthe standardsofthose in cities with far greater populationsand afar greaterpool of experienced reporters--despite the efforts of both of you to make The Bahamas a better place--you all struggled just to get his status straight. Bahamas a betterplace, you all struggledjustto gethisstatus straight. Laterwhen yourson Robertcame intoyourlives, adding so much joy and happiness, youstruggled again with hisstatus. Hadyou been unwed instead of a Bahamian woman married toa foreign man,life wouldhave beenso much easier. But that would neverhave enteredyour mind. It was,and is, oneof the craziest things this country hasever done:punishingthe innocent because hisor her motherwas marriedatthe time of thechild s birth. I wonderifyou hadawishfor yourbirthdayyouwoulduseit to whisperin theright ear: “Change the policy. You don’t need a referendum.” But at 96, what the heck –you should be able to make all thewishes youwant. Thisis your birthday. Thecountry is just a guest at your party.

Therewere somanyvaluable causes thetwo of you fought for, including exposing the drug deals and culture of the80s, eventhoughthere

mind on this celebratory day. Itwas anational momentof joy. Whileyou werebusyrunning thebustling newsroom, thecountrywasshifting.From a colonial pastto majority rule,independence,aconstitution,thepride ofaBahamian flagraised inClifford Parkto a periodof darknessa decade later. The excessesof power andtragediesof adrugtrade on steroidsin TheBahamas taking root and a generation along for the ride. We cleaned up but never really recovered. Youcovered it all. Youreported onhurricanes and ground breakings, school openings and graduations, and a college thatbecame a university. Storieswere endless. We had super sports stars, Olympian athletes,scholars, a growing numberof qualified Bahamiandoctors. Atthe same time, ex-pats were being replaced by Bahamians in every profession. Suitcase banks were being trashed globally and locally warned to pack up.

Weweregrowing,changing and maturing, andyou were there to record every day of it, not just reporting, but impactinghistory throughaccuratestory-telling andthoughtprovoking editorials.Your dedication never wavered. It must have felt at times likelifewas allwork,andyet

were times youfelt your life was threatened. It was onlybecause ofyourdear friend, RBPF officer Paul Thompson, that you all felt protected. Iknow you wrote that beautiful editorial when hedied. I could recognise yourwriting style a mileaway, it s so clear and cleanand crisp, and yet it carries the weightofemotionwhenit needs to.

Only youand thelate Sylvia Dupuchwrote like that.She wasmyhero then just as you are now. Yourfather foughtthe civil rightsbattle inthe 50s and 60s.And with that large portraitof him encouraging youto carry on,you foughtsomany otherbattles. WhenHubertIngraham openedthe airways, it was no surprise that The Tribune got the firstlicense, 100JAMZ. Maybethat thought crossedyour

there were somany moments of laughter and fun with Roger,especially ifhe hada goodday onthe golfcourse. Even afterhe retired,every day ended with a discussion about the frontpage of the next day’s paper. You told me once that after he passed, thatearly evening discussion about tomorrow s paper was the part you missed most. You missed him more than you let onto others, but years later, during COVID when wewere alllocked insideourhomes, yousaidyou weregood now,so longas you could besurrounded by your music and books. Thereare momentsIrememberbeingsoproudjustto be considered your friend –going outto lunchon oneof thoseraretimesyoutooktime for a sit-down lunch. There wasalways somuch totalk about.

OrthatdaywhenItookyou

to the studiowhere Duke Wells, anamazing photographer, was goingto take your photofor thefirstBahamian Project exhibit atThe Central Bank.Wehadtotakethehuge portraitofyour dadoffthe wall,lug itdown thesteep Tribune staircase andcarry it withusbecausewebothfeltit wasessential intellingyour story. That, my friend, was a struggle. Despite dayswhen you must havebeen sofrustrated, after demanding answers about corruption before supportingtheFNM inthe1992 election. Despitethe close calls, thevictories andsuccesses that you have shared in gory detailor glowingterms over the decades, the vision that remains fixed in my mind isthis:ItwasaSaturdayafternoon atyour homejust afew yearsago.I wasreturninga bookIhadborrowedtheweek before.Asmy husbandandI

were getting into the car, you were standing by the front door saying goodbye. As you opened the electronic gate to letusout, yoursmallestdog suddenly darted outof the houseand randown thelong driveway. Youtook offrunningafterhim beforehecould reach the street--likethe track star you once were--with your stockingedlegs flyinglike thoseofa teenagerandyour determinationto keephim from harm.

Thesame wayyou triedto protect a nationfrom itself by printing the truth every day.

You werea rockstar ina skirtand stockings,andyou still are.

Happy birthday,my incredible friend.May yourmemories warmyou and fillyou up witha senseofcompleteness. And maythey be asgood to youonthis dateofyourbirth as you have been to this nation your entire life.

Memorial Service For

Kingsley Alexander Dean, 52

a resident of Kiskadee Drive, Tusculum Estate West, Bay Street, New Providence, Bahmas and formerly of Pleasant Bay, South Andros, Bahamas will be held on Sunday, March 15th, 2026, 1:00pm at the Centerville Seventh Day Adventist Church, Fifth Terrace, Centerville, New Providence. Officiating will be Pastor Peter Joseph assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Cremation was Held.

Kingsley was predeceased by his adopted grandmother: Geneva Catherine Toote; grandmother: Rosetta Johnson-Taylor.

Left to cherish his memories are his mother: Comfort Smith; father: Jerome Malcolm Dean; sons: Kaden, Jaleel and Alexander Dean; sister: Tanique Brutus; brothers: Johnathan Pride, Kevin, Rance, Dwight and Edward Smith; sister-in-law: Bernadette Smith, Arnika Smith and Latoya Forbes-Smith; brother-in-law: Jerry Brutus; aunts: Lillymae Belle, Judy Bosfield, Agatha and Lynda Dean; uncles: Rupert Flowers, Michael, Derrick, Keith and Haron Dean; adopted sisters: Eula Nixon, Senior Nursing Officer Rebecca Johnson and Ruthnell McNeil; great grand aunts: Christina Burrows; numerous cousins including: Meralyn Williams, Veranell Dean, Curtis Pride, Janet, Floyd and Shevorn Armbrister, Lashonna Williams, Clayton, Alton and Craig Burrows, Claudius and Pamela Curtis, Carlette Rolle, Dexter and Bradley Belle, Kalya Hamilton, LaShanda, Brendon and Deon McNeil, Valeria, Shamarco and DeAngelo Flowers, Yolander and Eldridge Taylor Jr.; nieces and nephews: Nariah Pride, Levonte Swain, Lorshanda, RaJah and Tyler Smith, Jaydon Brutus, Mervin Humes III, Gregory Lindsay Jr., Lyndia, Gerrard and Greyson Lindsay; other relatives and friends including: Jasmine Allen, Stanley Sands, Michael and Elisha Johnson, Joey, Myran and Owen Sands, Anthony and Emma Kemp, Sophia Kemp-Grant, AugustaMcNeil, Tiffany Latoya Bain, Matthew, Renaldo and Keisha Dean, Kendiesha Ingraham, Family of the late Patricia Sinclair, BlairStewart, Rusheka Powell, Eula Nixon and Family, Theresa Johnson and Family; Sherry King and Family, Mary Barr and Family,Sydney Barr and Family, Julita Johnson and Family, Cynthia Taylor and Family, Timothy and Lonix Smith and Family, CarolynStuart and Family, Jefferson and Rosalie Simmons and Family, Rollie and Melinda Smith and Family, Deacon Theopholius Rolleand Family, Rev. Frankie Scott and Family, Eddie and Ena Sands and Family, Robertha Johnson and Family, Jeffrey and DellareceJohnson and Family, George and Sonia Black and Family, Margaret Johnson-McKenzie and Family, Ethoyl Johnson-Klien andFamily, Wendy Dean and Family, the Hilton Trucking Family, the Island Site Development Family, the community of HeavyEquipment and Trucking services; Owners and Operators Family, the community of Mars Bay, Pleasant Bay, Little Creek and theentire South Andros community and a host of other relatives and friends too many to mention.

Emerging talents under the spotlight at 7th Annual Elevation Awards

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE stage is set for another celebration of Bahamian creativity as the 7th Annual Elevation Awards prepares to return next week.

The event, to be held at Margaritaville Beach Resort on West Bay Street on March 21, will bring together entertainers, influencers, and creative professionals for an evening dedicated to recognising the talent shaping the country’s cultural landscape.

The celebration will begin before the main ceremony with the Elevation Awards Pre Show, which is scheduled to start at 6pm. The pre show will be hosted by Apryl Donna and PeeJae Fuego and will focus on highlighting emerging talent. Rising artists Dylan Peet, Vividly Val and GiGi Ali are expected to perform, offering audiences an early look at the next generation of Bahamian creatives. Over the years, the Elevation Awards has established itself as one of the premier platforms for celebrating Bahamian creatives. The ceremony highlights individuals who are making an impact across music, entertainment, media and other creative industries, while also giving audiences a chance to experience some of the country’s most exciting performers in one space. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Sherrelle “Roxie Starr” Duncombe, whose lively personality and confident stage presence are expected to bring energy and excitement to the evening. Known for her bold style

Hosted by

Karrington McKenzie

and engaging approach to entertainment, Duncombe will guide audiences through a night focused on recognising creativity and cultural influence.

Music will play a major role in the celebration, with several Bahamian artists scheduled to perform during the event. Organisers say the audience can expect dynamic stage moments from Julien Believe, Shine Bahamas, Jonny Cake, Ilsha, Kenyatta Taylor, Karrington McKenzie and KTYA, along with other performers. The performances are expected to keep the atmosphere lively while highlighting the range of musical talent present within the country.

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments will come with the presentation of the Pioneer Award to Lyn Terez Davis. The honour recognises her longstanding contributions to the creative industry and her influence within the entertainment community. The award acknowledges individuals whose work has helped shape and advance the local creative landscape.

The ceremony will also include a special tribute honouring the late Keno Hall. Organisers say the tribute will feature a surprise throwback performance celebrating his legacy and the lasting mark he left on Bahamian entertainment and culture. The segment is expected to serve as a moment of reflection while also celebrating the artistic contributions that continue to inspire the industry.

Executive Producer Vince McDonald Jr said the event has continued to grow into a space that highlights the creativity and diversity found within The Bahamas. According to McDonald, the awards represent an opportunity to celebrate the people whose work continues to influence the country’s creative industries both locally and internationally.

“The Elevation Awards continues to grow into a platform that truly celebrates the brilliance and diversity of Bahamian creatives. It will be a powerful celebration of talent, culture, and the individuals who continue to elevate our creative industries both locally and internationally,” he said.

Producer Travis Edgecombe said significant effort has gone into organising the production to ensure that the event delivers a memorable experience for those attending.

“Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that this year’s Elevation Awards is an unforgettable experience. From show stopping performances to exciting presenter appearances, every detail has been carefully planned to celebrate the incredible talent we have here in The Bahamas. We are excited

for audiences to witness a night that truly elevates our creatives,” he said.

As anticipation builds, organisers say the Elevation Awards continues to serve as a platform that encourages innovation and artistic expression while recognizing the individuals contributing to the growth of the country’s entertainment and creative sectors.

The event is expected to draw supporters of Bahamian music, entertainment and culture for a night dedicated to celebrating the creative voices helping shape the nation’s artistic future. Tickets for the 7th Annual Elevation Awards are currently available for purchase at www.theelevationawards.com.

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

ABELOVED Bahamian tradition is preparing to return to familiar ground, inviting residents and visitors alike to gather for a day of music, food, family activities and community giving.

The Bahamas Red Cross Annual Fair will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 12 noon to 11pm, at the Lower Grounds of Government House, marking a return to a venue that once served as the historic home of the long-running fundraiser.

This year’s fair carries the theme “Come Back Home”, a sentiment that organisers hope will stir memories while introducing a new generation to the event’s legacy.

For Janet Johnson, Chair of the Red Cross Fair 2026, the theme reflects the deep emotional connection many Bahamians share with the fair’s earlier years.

“The theme was inspired by the fact that so many of us baby boomers grew up going to the Red Cross Fair on the Government Grounds. It was a first date, where you snuck a first kiss in the Cabbage Patch. It’s nostalgic and brings back so many memories. Hence, ‘come back home’” said Ms Johnson.

The tradition in colonial times, Ms Johnson said, was that the Red Cross would always be headed by the Governor’s wife. And so naturally, it would be hosted on the grounds of her home.

“The Red Cross held tremendous status and was the highlight on the calendar. In years gone by, Red Cross has lost some of its standing and influence in the community. We are working to restore that magic and respect,” said Ms Johnson.

Returning to Government House also adds a sense of prestige to the event, while offering a location that is both historically meaningful and easily accessible.

“The Government House location is very significant, not only does it kick it up a several notches and lends its tremendous prestige to the Red Cross Fair, being in theCity of Nassau. It is within

Red Cross Annual Fair returns to Govt House bringing nostalgia and community

walking distance of the Cruise Port and Downtown Nassau where visitors congregate and can easily access this cultural experience.

To be able to host this prestigious event on these hallowed grounds, says how much the organisation is valued and what it means to wider the community,” said Ms Johnson. Moreover, the fair promises a full day of entertainment and family-friendly attractions. Patrons can expect marching bands, live performances, food vendors, a

petting zoo and a farmer’s market, all set against the spacious backdrop of the Lower Grounds.

Organisers are also planning a special exhibit to highlight the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and the people who carry it out, while recognising individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed.

“The Lower Grounds provide so much space for people to mull around, for children to be safe within the confines of the walls, that we wanted to provide as much activity as we could to make it a fulfilling experience for all who participate.

The story of the Red Cross is not widely shared, so this year we want to create a display to showcase the work and tell the stories of these brave men and women who are in the trenches when disaster strikes and we are in the comfort of our homes. We are working diligently to have this exhibit privately sponsored,” said Ms Johnson.

She said there are many individuals who give freely of their time, and are really the organisation’s unsung heroes. “This year, we’re looking for that Humanitarian Champion whom we can laud over for all the good they have done, under the radar. They will become our Grand Marshal,” said Ms Johnson. While the fair has been hosted at Arawak Cay in

recent years, Ms Johnson believes the move back to Government House helps restore a sense of stature to the event while encouraging deeper appreciation for the organisation’s mission.

“The Red Cross Fair has been held at Arawak Cay for a number of years. I’ve always felt that the location did such a disservice to Red Cross and made it seem very ordinary and underappreciated. The Red Cross does such good for the entire community that it ought to be to elevated and supported on all fronts.

This is my first year Chairing the Committee and while I have not had a lot of runway to plan properly, I have been so impressed with the access Red Cross has that really has not been leveraged to advantage,” said Ms Johnson. She said donations are coming in from corporate Bahamas in products, as well as in funding, to help with staging the event.

“Putting on a quality event costs money and while we can often persuade participants to give us a break and donate their skills and treasure, it’s a learning curve. So, to your question about what makes this Red Cross Fair different, the answer is we want to infuse it with the culture of giving back. We want families to get an appreciation for the work of the Red Cross and what it means to be a volunteer and to help their fellow man,” said Ms Johnson. Funds raised through the annual fair support a wide range of initiatives that assist Bahamian families throughout the year, from daily community programmes to emergency response efforts.

“Thanks to these proceeds, our Meals on Wheels programme is able to deliver nutritious meals to over 200 families daily, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable neighbours don't go hungry. The fair also helps us provide free CPR and first aid training, giving Bahamians the skills to save lives in emergencies,” said Ms Johnson.

She explained that youth engagement also remains a central focus of the organisation’s work, particularly through programmes designed to build leadership and civic responsibility among young people.

“Your support allows us to run Junior Links and other Youth programmes that build leadership, responsibility and a sense of community among the next generation. On the Family Islands, the Fair proceeds helps us strengthen local branches and expand access to essential services,” said Ms Johnson.

The organisation also provides practical assistance to families facing hardship.

“We're able to provide direct support to families in need; from small home repairs, to clothing and hygiene kits to emergency supplies to families and shelters after disasters. The fair is more than just a community event; it’s the reason we're able to stand by Bahamian families when they need it most,” said Ms Johnson.

She believes what boosts the Red Cross' prestige exponentially, is the fact that it is an ‘international organisation’ with a long-standing reputation for neutrality, humanitarian excellence and global impact.

Ms Johnson added that many Bahamians may not fully realise the scope of that international connection.

“While local branches like ours focus on community-specific needs, they are part of the larger international Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which coordinates efforts across nations to deliver aid and support globally,” said Ms Johnson.

Supporting the fair, she said, ultimately strengthens both local and international humanitarian efforts. That global network has also played a role in assisting the region during times of crisis.

“Most recently, you'll recall the supplies that were sent to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Likewise, when there are disasters here in The Bahamas, international Red Cross teams come to our aid with all their resources,” said Ms Johnson. With the return of the fair to the Lower Grounds of Government House, organisers hope the event will not only revive cherished memories but also renew appreciation for the humanitarian work that continues long after the music fades and the stalls close for the night.